Always in the need for social validation, a few years ago I was searching for tags and labels I can describe myself with. From a musical perspective, that meant finding my own underground tribe, bound by the same elitist taste in electronic music, especially house music. Deep House was my religion and, as a good crusader, I had to fight to protect this tag, trying to convince all the people around me what deep house really is. Until I played Salty Days. Launched in 2012 at the amazing Hamburg based Smallville Records, this album has its own special place in my record collection: genre defying, deep house in its DNA, yet with glitters and sprinkles of techno, acid and dub, with that Smallville-esque nostalgic air, yet amazingly groovy.
Fast forward 11 years and here I am, undressed of all the frameworks, categories and taxonomies you can possibly imagine when it comes to music. It was the perfect moment to chat with Julius Steinhoff, one half of Smallpeople, founder and CEO at Smallville Records. More than a chat, it was a head-first dive into his private record collection because, hey, this is the perfect angle to discover the artists’ genuine personality :) Scroll down to discover a few of Julius’ records 👇
A second hand dig I’m most proud of
Seidensticker – Scribbled – Out To Lunch
I found a second hand white label of this really cheap, unfortunately its pressed as a single LP and my copy is not in a very good condition- but such an amazing album, every track is amazing..
The record I’d love to see it repressed
Maybe The Bass Foundation – Recognition – I actually have it and play it whenever i can, but my copy is getting real thin.. the Soul Signal Mix works so well on so many dancefloors:
The label I’d buy all their releases without even listening to them
Schatrax and almost all FXHE.
The record artwork that blows my mind every time I look at it
Chick Corea – Return to Forever and Smallville LP 03 – Christopher Rau – Asper Clouds :-)
The record that triggers childhood memories
As my Dad used to play this on piano when i was young.. later loved listening to the record, too as i was also loving the cover :)
The record shop I would spend my whole savings in
Diskunion next to a few other stores in Japan.. Also A1 in New York was really amazing when i visited for the first time a few years back. And don’t forget to check out Remoto Records if in Hamburg, run by a sweet bunch that took over the Smallville store location.
The record that never leaves my DJ bag
Parallel 9 – Dominus
STL – Silent State
Last record I checked its price on discogs
Moonman – The Sticky EP (Attic Space)
I want it because of this track:
Last record I bought for my home listening pleasure
Built To Spill – When The Wind Forgets Your Name
The record closest to my heart from my entire collection
Pheew- there is so many of them… Maybe some listening records like
The Sea And Cake – Everybody
Keith Jarrett – The Köln Concert
Bill Wells & Maher Shalal Hash Baz – Osaka Bridge
Miles Davis – Sketches of Spain
Joe Tossini – Lady Of Mine
and many more…
